Need help learning to calculate odds , outs and all that stuff
 

I'm a regular poker player who wants to become a damn good poker player. I've read Sklansky's Theory of Poker and a lot of it went straight over my head.

I'm now studying Professional No Limit Hold'em Vol I.
I've read the first part on pot odds , implied odds and the thought process behind that.
The text explains it clearly but it's also very clear that this is not a natural process to me. This will need some practice and work from my part.

My question is this : how do I go about learning this stuff.
Studying hands and completing the thought process ?

How did you professionals start out this process ? Or does that just come natural ?

I'm at a loss here (literally - [img]/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]) so please help me out

Re: Need help learning to calculate odds , outs and all that stuff
 

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how do I go about learning this stuff.

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When I'm studying math, I find it's helpful to actually have a pencil, paper, and hand calculator in front of me. You're doing the right thing by posting questions to 2+2.

My primary purpose in posting this is to offer you that word of encouragement. I hope the experts will add more to this thread.

Re: Need help learning to calculate odds , outs and all that stuff
 

Is there anything in particular your having trouble with or is it the whole maths aspect?

All you can do is practice using various hand examples. Try figuring the odds of every hand even when not involved. This should improve you a little bit but if your not a maths person then there is not a lot you can do.

Re: Need help learning to calculate odds , outs and all that stuff
 

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Is there anything in particular your having trouble with or is it the whole maths aspect?



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The thought process that is outlined in that book is new to me. I'm calculating my odds and outs , but it goes so slowly that i already have to play before I finish the calculations.
I wonder if the pro players still do this in their head all the time or that they have learned to get an estimate based on general experience.

I'm just looking for a structured "battle plan" to tackle this problem. I was just playing on feeling and on general principles like position and certain hand ranges. This is probably why I'm on breakeven at the microlimits and not winning.

Btw , what is a good hand calculator ? Poker Stove ?

Re: Need help learning to calculate odds , outs and all that stuff
 

How to Work Out and Use Pot Odds

Pot Odds Made Easy

Re: Need help learning to calculate odds , outs and all that stuff
 

Very Basic

Step 1) Get really good at figuring your outs.
Step 2) Figure out your chance to win on the next card (multiply outs by 2). If a player is all-in multiply by 4. (these are 'tricks' used to approximate the percentage win which is generally accurate.)
Step 3) Figure out pot size (it's given on most sites)
Step 4) Divide Bet Size by Pot Size (Bet/Pot) - pot odds equivolent.
Step 5) Compare Step 4 to Step 2. Call if 2 is larger than 4.
Step 6) Consider implied/reverse implied odds
Step 7) Call if good odds based on all above.

Not sure if that helps or not. If inaccurate, I'll be corrected I'm sure.

Re: Need help learning to calculate odds , outs and all that stuff
 

Wow , this clarifies a lot. Hats off to you , sir.

Being a newbie at poker , you guys can not imagine how overwhelming all the info is that is here and at other sites. Some people talk poker and talk odds and outs as if it's the most basic thing there is. It IS to them, but not to us noobs.


So anything that guides us and gives us a summary in a short , concise manner is good info.

Thanks a lot.

Re: Need help learning to calculate odds , outs and all that stuff
 

You may want to consider making online flash cards or print them out. I've looked for some sites that offer the online virtual ones, but so far not thrilled with any of them.
If you come up with something better or give this a try give me a shout....

Re: Need help learning to calculate odds , outs and all that stuff
 

Well said media